Thanksgiving is a time to gather, give thanks, and enjoy a feast — but it doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. With smart planning and simple ingredients, you can prepare an entire vegan Thanksgiving meal under $30 that’s delicious, satisfying, and festive. Whether you’re feeding a small group or keeping it cozy for two, this guide covers everything you need: a full menu, a shopping list, a prep plan, and cost-saving strategies.
This post will walk you through how to host a beautiful vegan Thanksgiving dinner on a budget without sacrificing flavor or variety — proof that compassion and creativity can go hand in hand, even on a tight budget.
Why a Budget Vegan Thanksgiving Works So Well
Cooking vegan is inherently budget-friendly — plants, grains, and legumes are some of the most affordable and nutrient-dense foods you can buy. When you skip animal-based ingredients like turkey, butter, and cheese, you instantly cut down on cost without losing heartiness.
Here’s why a budget vegan Thanksgiving menu is so doable:
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Plant-based ingredients stretch further: Lentils, beans, and root vegetables feed more people for less money.
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Seasonal produce is cheap and flavorful: Buying what’s in season (like squash, potatoes, and carrots) saves money and boosts freshness.
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No specialty items required: You can make rich, creamy dishes using pantry staples and inexpensive vegan substitutes.
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Batch cooking saves time and waste: Cook large portions, repurpose leftovers, and minimize spoilage.
Let’s dive into the full menu plan that keeps your total under $30 — including a breakdown of costs and servings.
Full Budget Vegan Thanksgiving Menu (Under $30 Total)
This affordable vegan Thanksgiving menu serves 4 people generously, or 6 with moderate portions.
1. Main Dish: Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze
A hearty, savory loaf made with lentils, oats, and vegetables, finished with a tangy maple-ketchup glaze. It’s protein-rich, comforting, and ideal as a turkey alternative.
Estimated Cost: $5
Ingredients:
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1 cup dried green or brown lentils ($1)
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1 onion ($0.50)
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1 carrot ($0.30)
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1 stalk celery ($0.30)
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1 cup rolled oats ($0.50)
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3 tbsp ketchup ($0.30)
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2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari ($0.25)
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2 tbsp maple syrup ($0.75)
Total: $5
2. Side Dish: Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Almond Milk
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes made dairy-free with almond milk and olive oil. Smooth, rich, and budget-friendly.
Estimated Cost: $3
Ingredients:
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2 lbs potatoes ($2)
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½ cup almond milk ($0.50)
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2 tbsp olive oil ($0.50)
Total: $3
3. Side Dish: Roasted Carrots with Maple Balsamic Glaze
A simple, sweet-and-savory vegetable side that looks elegant but uses inexpensive ingredients.
Estimated Cost: $2.50
Ingredients:
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1 lb carrots ($1)
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1 tbsp olive oil ($0.25)
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1 tbsp maple syrup ($0.50)
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar ($0.25)
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Salt and pepper (pantry staple)
Total: $2.50
4. Side Dish: Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
Bright, crisp green beans dressed with lemon juice and topped with crunchy almonds.
Estimated Cost: $3.50
Ingredients:
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1 lb fresh green beans ($2)
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¼ cup sliced almonds ($1)
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1 tbsp lemon juice ($0.50)
Total: $3.50
5. Stuffing: Easy Herbed Bread Stuffing
Classic Thanksgiving flavor without the butter. Use day-old bread, broth, onions, and herbs for that comforting, savory taste.
Estimated Cost: $4
Ingredients:
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6 cups cubed bread ($2)
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1 onion ($0.50)
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1 stalk celery ($0.30)
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1 cup vegetable broth ($0.70)
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Dried sage and thyme ($0.50)
Total: $4
6. Dessert: Pumpkin Pie Pudding Cups
All the flavors of pumpkin pie without the crust — creamy, spiced, and ready in minutes.
Estimated Cost: $4
Ingredients:
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1 can pumpkin puree ($2)
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½ cup coconut milk ($0.75)
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2 tbsp maple syrup ($0.75)
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Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla ($0.50)
Total: $4
7. Drink: Spiced Apple Cider (Homemade)
Warm and cozy cider made from store-brand apple juice and spices.
Estimated Cost: $3
Ingredients:
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1 quart apple juice ($2)
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1 cinnamon stick + 2 cloves + orange peel ($1)
Total: $3
Total Cost for Entire Menu: $25–$28
Serves: 4–6 people
Cost per person: $4–$7
That’s a complete, satisfying vegan Thanksgiving spread — for less than the cost of one store-bought turkey roast.
Full Shopping List for Under $30
Produce:
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2 lbs potatoes
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1 lb carrots
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1 onion
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1 stalk celery
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1 lb green beans
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1 lemon
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1 can pumpkin puree
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1 orange
Pantry:
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Rolled oats
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Bread (day-old works best)
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Olive oil
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Maple syrup
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Ketchup
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Soy sauce or tamari
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Vegetable broth
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Spices (sage, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, salt)
Other:
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Almond milk
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Coconut milk
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Sliced almonds
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Apple juice
Prep Timeline for an Organized $30 Thanksgiving
To make sure your budget meal runs smoothly, follow this simple prep schedule.
Two Days Before Thanksgiving:
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Cook lentils and refrigerate.
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Cube and dry out bread for stuffing.
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Make pumpkin pudding and chill.
Day Before Thanksgiving:
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Wash and chop vegetables.
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Mix lentil loaf ingredients and refrigerate.
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Prep balsamic glaze for carrots.
Thanksgiving Day:
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Bake lentil loaf first (it can rest while you make sides).
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Boil and mash potatoes.
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Roast carrots and green beans together at 400°F.
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Warm stuffing in the oven during final reheating.
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Simmer apple cider just before serving.
You’ll save time, energy, and oven space while keeping everything hot and ready to serve.
How to Keep Your Vegan Thanksgiving Budget Low
Cooking under $30 requires some planning, but these tricks help stretch your budget even further.
1. Buy Store Brands
Most plant-based staples (beans, oats, broth, etc.) are identical across brands. Opt for store brands whenever possible.
2. Use What You Have
Before shopping, check your pantry for spices, condiments, and oils you already own.
3. Shop Seasonally
Stick to produce that’s in-season — root vegetables, winter squash, apples, and greens are all inexpensive in November.
4. Skip Specialty Ingredients
No need for pricey vegan cheeses or roasts. Homemade sauces and seasonings deliver amazing flavor for less.
5. Cook from Scratch
Buying ready-made foods adds up quickly. Most Thanksgiving staples — like mashed potatoes, gravy, and desserts — cost a fraction when made at home.
6. Repurpose Leftovers
Turn lentil loaf into sandwiches, mashed potatoes into croquettes, or pudding into parfaits for breakfast the next day.
Sample Cost Breakdown by Store Type
If you’re shopping at major grocery chains, here’s a realistic cost comparison:
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Aldi / Trader Joe’s: Around $25 total
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Walmart / Target: Around $27 total
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Kroger / Safeway: Around $30 total
Buying bulk ingredients (like oats, rice, or lentils) saves even more for future meals.
Tips for Hosting a Cozy Vegan Thanksgiving on a Budget
Hosting a memorable Thanksgiving doesn’t depend on lavish décor or expensive food — it’s about warmth and creativity.
Here are a few affordable touches that elevate your holiday meal:
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Use natural table décor: Gather pinecones, leaves, or branches for a rustic centerpiece.
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Bake your own bread: Freshly baked rolls make your table feel abundant and homemade.
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Serve family-style: Pass dishes around the table for a communal, cozy atmosphere.
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Light candles: Instant ambiance, even for small gatherings.
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Play a playlist: Set the tone with soft jazz or acoustic autumn tracks.
Remember, gratitude and connection make any budget meal special.
Eco-Friendly Budget Tips
Being budget-conscious and eco-friendly often go hand-in-hand. Here’s how to make your low-cost vegan Thanksgiving sustainable too:
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Buy in bulk: Reduce packaging waste and save money.
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Use cloth napkins instead of paper.
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Compost scraps: Turn veggie peels and leftovers into compost for your garden.
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Store leftovers smartly: Reuse glass jars or containers you already own.
And if you love living with compassion and intention, extend that mindset to your wardrobe. The Dharma Store sells vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — comfortable, stylish, and sustainable. They’re perfect for cooking, lounging, or gifting to a fellow vegan this holiday season.
Budget-Friendly Vegan Thanksgiving Menu Recap
Let’s recap your entire vegan Thanksgiving meal under $30:
Appetizer: Spiced Apple Cider (Hot)
Main Course: Lentil Loaf with Maple Glaze
Sides:
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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Roasted Maple Balsamic Carrots
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Green Beans with Almonds
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Herbed Bread Stuffing
Dessert: Pumpkin Pie Pudding Cups
Total Cost: $25–$28
Serves: 4–6 guests
Cook Time: About 2.5 hours total
This menu proves that a thoughtful, plant-based Thanksgiving can be rich in flavor, texture, and love — all without spending more than $30.
Final Thoughts
A vegan Thanksgiving isn’t just about what’s on the table — it’s about how you make it feel. By planning carefully, buying smart, and keeping the menu simple, you can serve a full feast that’s affordable, abundant, and kind to both animals and your wallet.
So this year, print your shopping list, grab your reusable bags, and show that gratitude tastes even better on a budget.
And while you’re in the spirit of mindful living, check out The Dharma Store for organic cotton vegan t-shirts — because kindness isn’t just for the holidays, it’s for every day.